The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today that more than $14.7 million will be awarded to 23 states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program in 2013.

The first Clean Vessel Act awards were made in 1993. Since that time the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program has awarded more than $200 million to states for projects funding construction, replacement, renovation, and maintenance of facilities that assist recreational boaters in properly disposing of on-board septic waste. The program also provides information and education on the importance, benefits, and availability of pump outs.

Hawaii – $468,436 The State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation plans to construct two new pumpout facilities at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and one new pumpout at Kewalo Basin, Honolulu, Island of Oahu.

This will increase the number of facilities available on the Island of Oahu by 50%. They will also replace existing pump-outs at Heeia Kea, Keehi and Waianae Small Boat harbors on the island of Oahu; Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor on the island of Kauai; and Lahaina Small Boat Harbor Public Loading Dock (North Face) on the island of Maui. The new peristaltic pumpouts will provide quicker pumpouts and will require less servicing. They will install remote monitoring devices on all new and replacement pump-outs. The State will couple construction with boater education.

“Clean Vessel Act grants are essential to ensure clean water and healthy environments that allow for recreational boating opportunities,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “The CVA program has a substantial economic impact on local communities, which is a win-win situation for conservation initiatives and businesses across America.”

Funds for the CVA program are provided annually from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust fund. These funds are derived through the collection of fishing tackle manufacturer excise taxes and boat and fishing import duties as well as motorboat and small engine fuel taxes. The program supports the user-pay, public-benefit cycle that has led to the successes of the Sport Fish Restoration programs. States apply for CVA funding and they or their partners provide matching funds to complete projects. Sub-grantees often include local municipalities and private marinas.

In addition to traditional on-dock pump outs, projects include pumpout boats that travel in designated harbors to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. Some states also install floating restrooms in areas where boaters congregate and no restrooms are available.

“The Clean Vessel Act is a critical tool in helping the states to maintain clean and healthy waters for people and wildlife alike,” said Assistant Director Hannibal Bolton of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. “The pump outs built through these funds ensure that clean drinking water, sustainable ecosystems, and healthy recreational areas will be accessible to the American people.”